Save the School Pool

Can You Help Save Meldreth Primary School’s Swimming Pool?

First installed in 1965, Meldreth Primary School’s on-site pool has helped many generations of children learn how to swim. Some readers might themselves remember shivering in the British summer weather and splashing with their friends. The demand for this precious resource is as great as ever. Learning to swim is not only important for water safety, but can help promote a lifelong love of sports and activity and build a child's confidence.

The opening of the school pool in 1965 Photograph supplied by Meldreth WI

Children learning to swim in Meldreth Primary School's pool Meldreth Primary School’s pool is funded entirely by charitable donations raised by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Thanks to the hard work of volunteers who led a previous fundraising campaign, the pool was refurbished back in 2014. It has continued to be well loved and had lots of use since then but has unfortunately deteriorated. The PTA has found a second -hand pool to replace it, and hopes to raise a total of £20,000 to have it installed.

This month, the PTA has launched a new campaign to Save our School Pool. During the winter lockdown, pupils, staff, parents and grandparents have been walking, cycling, bouncing and dancing to help us get to 2,021 active hours as a school community and raise funds for the pool. We are also planning more events, including a sponsored Zumbathon! The much loved pool has had lots of use but has deteriorated. The PTA is fundraising to save this precious learning resource. We know times are difficult for many people and we welcome any support you can manage. If you’d like to make a donation, please visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/savemeldrethschoolpool. Funds raised will help ensure future generations of children benefit from this unique and wonderful learning resource. Thank you! For updates on the progress of the campaign, you can follow Meldreth PTA on Facebook. Do you remember the joy of swimming with your friends in the school pool? We’d love to hear your stories. Please share them by posting a comment at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/savemeldrethschoolpool or by commenting on a post on the Meldreth PTA Facebook page. Laura Hollis Meldreth Primary School PTA

Editor’s Note

For more photographs and information on the swimming pool see: https://www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/topics/education/a-history-ofmeldreth-school-1960-1969/the-school-swimming-pool https://www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/topics/education/a-history-ofmeldreth-school-2010-onwards/save-our-pool